This is my last post. I have Miku Expo coming up. I'm in Mexico visiting family so I'll be leaving soon. Yes, I read that comment. This story has a sequel why would Yukino leave Hikigaya? Either way, I can't say much but Yukino does go on dates in the UK. Well more likely trick into going on dates fits better. Anyway, enjoy the read.
The persistent knocking on the door roused Yukinoshita Yukino from the depths of her dreams, where the warmth of Hachiman's embrace still lingered around her, a bittersweet reminder of their temporary separation. The chilly mornings of the UK stood in stark contrast to the warmth she had grown accustomed to, both in terms of weather and companionship. With a soft sigh, she untangled herself from the cozy confines of her bed, the memories of Hachiman fading into the back of her mind as reality beckoned.
000
I wrapped a robe snugly around my bare body, its fabric soft against my skin, offering a small comfort against the morning chill. I should have stolen some clothing from Hikigaya. I padded across the room, my feet barely making a sound on the cold floor, to answer the insistent knocking. When I swung the door open, the sight that greeted me was both unexpected and familiar.
Miyazaki Aoi stood there, her shoulder-length, wavy black hair slightly disheveled as if she had rushed here without a second thought. The early morning light filtered through the corridor windows, casting a soft glow on her features and highlighting the hazel depths of her eyes, which sparkled with eagerness and warmth, inherently Aoi.
"Good morning, Yukinoshita-san," Miyazaki greeted me with a bright smile, her voice gently breaking the quiet of the dormitory hallway. "I hope I didn't wake you."
My momentary surprise at Aoi's early visit quickly turned into curiosity when her purpose became clear. "I found this little place in Chinatown that sells Japanese noodles and some other ingredients we've been missing," Miyazaki said, her eyes shining with excitement at the prospect of sharing this discovery. "I thought it might be nice to have a taste of home. What do you say?"
The suggestion warmed me more than the morning sun could. I'm sure you can understand, but homesickness is terrible. The idea of savoring flavors reminiscent of Japan, of shared meals and laughter, was too appealing to pass up, especially when offered by someone who was quickly becoming a good friend in this foreign land. "That sounds wonderful," I replied, the prospect of such a comforting excursion sparking genuine enthusiasm in me. "Let me just get ready, and we can go."
000
The plan to explore Chinatown for Japanese noodles and ingredients added an unexpected but welcome dimension to my morning. As I quickly made myself presentable, my thoughts danced around the adventures that lay ahead. I hadn't ventured into Chinatown yet, and doing so with Miyazaki-san seemed like the perfect introduction to its streets and secrets. The thought of cooking together, of sharing recipes from back home, was something I hadn't realized I yearned for until now.
Our friendship, still in its early stages, was blossoming with each shared experience, and this felt like a step towards something deeply meaningful. I valued my independence and my solitude, qualities that had often set me apart from others. Yet, in Miyazaki-san, I found a kindred spirit; someone who respected my need for space while also offering companionship that felt both comfortable and exhilarating.
For our outing to Chinatown, I chose an outfit that balances elegance with comfort, reflecting both my style and the nature of our day ahead. I decided on a soft, cream-colored turtleneck sweater that fits snugly, accentuating my slender frame. It was a type of clothing I wasn't initially fond of, but with Hikigaya who likes to leave a love mark on my neck, this kind of attire became a godsend. I got used to wearing it. Over it, I wore a high-waisted, navy blue skirt that fell just above my knees, the fabric moving gracefully with each step I took. To combat the brisk morning air, I opted for a pair of sheer black tights and finished the look with simple, flat ankle boots that offer both style and practicality for walking. My long, black hair was left loose today, cascading over my shoulders and down to my hips, a natural elegance that I often underplayed. The final touch was a delicate silver necklace with a small pendant, a piece understated yet captivating, much like myself.
As we met up and prepared to leave, Miyazaki-san couldn't help but take a moment to appreciate my appearance. "Yukinoshita-san, you look absolutely beautiful today," Miyazaki-san said, her tone genuine and admiring. "That outfit suits you perfectly." She observed her friend, taking in the details. "You know, it's not just your style that's striking. You have such fair skin, and your hair—it's gorgeous how it spills over your shoulders and down to your hips, complementing the whole look. And," she paused for a brief moment, her gaze meeting mine, "your most striking feature has to be those large, piercing blue eyes. They're really something special."
I felt a flush of warmth at the compliment, touched by Aoi's words. I was not used to being on the receiving end of such open admiration, and from Miyazaki-san, it felt particularly meaningful. "Thank you, Miyazaki-san," I responded, allowing myself a small, appreciative smile. "That means a lot coming from you."
Feeling slightly embarrassed by her comments, I took a glance at Miyazaki-san. She opted for a warm, mustard-yellow knit sweater that fell loosely over her frame, adding a pop of color against the dreary weather. The sweater was tucked into a pair of high-waisted, dark denim jeans, which were both stylish and practical, tailored to fit her comfortably and allow ease of movement. Her feet were adorned with a pair of sturdy, brown leather boots with just a hint of a heel, perfect for the day's walking and exploring.
To combat the crisp air further, Miyazaki-san wrapped a large, soft, plaid scarf around her neck, the colors of which complemented her sweater and added another layer of warmth and texture to her outfit. Her black hair was pulled back into a messy bun, strands framing her face in a carefree manner that spoke to her spirited nature. For an extra layer, she wore a long, olive-green coat that reached mid-thigh, providing warmth without sacrificing style. The coat's material was thick enough to shield her from the wind, with deep pockets that were both functional and a cozy refuge for her hands.
A beanie in a shade matching her scarf topped off the ensemble, ensuring her head and ears were protected from the chilly breeze. The overall effect was one of casual elegance and warmth, perfectly encapsulating Aoi's approach to life: bright, practical, and always ready for an adventure.
000
As we stepped into the shop, we were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spices and savory broths, a welcome departure from the bland offerings we had encountered in typical UK grocery stores. The shelves were lined with an array of colorful packaging, each boasting flavors and ingredients that hinted at far-off lands and culinary adventures.
We wandered through the aisles, our eyes lighting up with recognition as we spotted familiar Japanese brands and products among the more exotic offerings. Miyazaki-san couldn't help but let out a soft gasp of delight as she reached for a package of instant noodles that reminded her of home. "Look, Yukinoshita-san," she exclaimed, holding up the package for her friend to see. "This was my favorite brand back in Kobe. I hope it's like a taste of nostalgia in a cup!"
I smiled in agreement, my excitement bubbling up as I examined the shelves. "And look here," I pointed out, reaching for a different package. "This one has the same flavor profile as the ramen I used to enjoy in Tokyo. It's amazing to find something so familiar in such an unexpected place."
Our exploration led us to a section dedicated to exotic ramen cups, offering a dizzying array of flavors and combinations that far surpassed the limited selection we were used to back in the UK's markets. From spicy miso to creamy tonkotsu, each cup promised a culinary adventure waiting to be savored.
"It's incredible how much variety there is here," Miyazaki-san remarked, her eyes scanning the shelves with a mix of wonder and curiosity. "Back at the dorms, we were limited to just a few basic flavors, but here... it's like a whole new world of possibilities."
I nodded in agreement, my mind already racing with ideas for future meals we could create together using our newfound treasures. "I can't wait to try some of these," I admitted, a spark of excitement igniting in my eyes. "It's like we're embarking on our ramen-tasting adventure right here in Chinatown."
Amidst the bustling aisles of the shop, I paused and began talking to myself, my voice tinged with a hint of self-reflection. "I must confess," I said, my expression thoughtful yet earnest, "I've never been particularly fond of cup ramen. Back in Japan, I rarely indulged in such convenience foods, preferring instead to savor homemade meals or dine at authentic ramen shops, especially because of Hikigaya."
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I continued with a soft smile playing at the corners of my lips, "However, being here in the UK, far from the familiar flavors of home, has a way of shifting one's perspective. While cup ramen may not hold the same allure for me as it does for others, the simple act of discovering familiar Japanese ingredients and flavors in this shop fills me with a sense of happiness and comfort."
My gaze softened, reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. "It's a reminder that even in unfamiliar surroundings, there are moments of familiarity and connection to be found," I explained, my words carrying a depth of meaning that resonated with my own experiences of navigating life abroad. "And for that, I am truly grateful."
000
With a nod to my new friend Miyazaki-san, who stood beside me with a knowing smile, I turned back to the task at hand, my heart feeling lighter and my spirits lifted by the simple joys of discovery and companionship.
As we made our way towards the checkout counter, I carried with me a newfound appreciation for the small moments of comfort and familiarity that helped to bridge the distance between my past and present, reminding me that home is not just a place, but a feeling that can be found wherever the heart finds solace.
The soft hum of the electric kettle filled the air as we settled back into the cozy confines of my dorm room. Outside, the sky was beginning to darken, the last traces of daylight fading into the evening. Inside, the room was bathed in the warm glow of soft lamplight, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invited relaxation and conversation.
Now, as we sat cross-legged on the floor, our second cup of ramen steaming gently in front of us, we exchanged contented smiles, the shared experience of our impromptu outing bringing us closer together.
The scent of savory broth and spices filled the room, mingling with the comforting aroma of familiarity and companionship. As we sipped our ramen, the quiet slurping of noodles was punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter and conversation, the sound of our voices blending harmoniously with the gentle hum of the kettle in the background.
For me, the simple act of sharing a meal with Miyazaki-san held a special significance, a reminder of the bonds of friendship that transcended distance and time. In Aoi's company, I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance that I hadn't realized I was missing until now. It was a feeling I cherished, a sense of connection that anchored me amidst the uncertainty of life abroad.
As we savored the last few spoonfuls of our ramen, I felt a profound sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed between us, for the shared moments of laughter and companionship, and for the simple joys of a warm bowl of noodles on a chilly evening.
With a satisfied sigh, I leaned back against the wall, my gaze drifting towards the window where the first stars were beginning to twinkle in the night sky. Beside me, Miyazaki-san mirrored my contented expression, our bond strengthened by the shared experience of our ramen-filled adventure.
As the evening stretched out before us, filled with the promise of more laughter, more conversation, and more shared meals to come, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future, knowing that with Miyazaki-san by my side, there was no challenge we couldn't face together.